During the cold winter months, your plumbing has a hard go of things. The ground around your house is freezing and unfreezing, and as temperatures drop, the pipes inside your home could suffer some of the same.
At PlumbPRO Services, we work with families across Ambler to keep home and business plumbing running smoothly. One of the tips we give homeowners around this time of year is to check pipes and look for signs of leaks before the coldest months arrive.
Here are some of the ways you can check your home for leaks this winter.
The Obvious Sign of Water
The biggest sign of a leak is unexplained pooling water. If you notice water spots anywhere in your home, take them seriously and look for the cause. While it could be that someone knocked over a vase and didn’t wipe it up, the most common cause is leaky plumbing.
As you give your home the winter-proofing once over, look for water around your hot water tank, bathroom, kitchen, and basement plumbing. You may also notice water coming from areas where no pipes are visible. If this is the case, contact your plumber immediately. Leaks in the walls could be bigger than you realize.
Reduced Water Pressure
There’s nothing more annoying than stepping into a hot shower only to find the water pressure is weak. If you notice low water pressure in your home, it could be a sign of a leak somewhere. A leaky pipe will let water escape and this reduces pressure before it reaches your shower head.
Less water coming out of your shower means more water is coming out somewhere else in or around your home. Even if it’s not leak-related, it’s good to speak with a plumber in Ambler about low water pressure because it could be related to another plumbing issue.
Increased Water Bills
Hand in hand with low water pressure comes high water bills. If it looks like you’re using more water than you used to, the answer could be an unnoticed leak. Leaks can be small, but consistently drain water from your home. Depending on where the leak is located, it could be constant, letting water escape even when you’re not using it.
A high-water bill is never a good sign. If you notice bills are increasing in price with no answer (extra guests, more water use, etc.) call a plumber. It’s better to be safe than sorry where water pressure and increased but unexplainable water use is concerned.
Unexplained Mold, Mildew, and Water Spots
Water spots on the ceiling mean a leak somewhere in the plumbing between levels in your home. Water spots appear as discoloration in your paint, and may even cause warping in paint, wallpaper, or drywall underneath. You’ll definitely want to consult a professional if you’re noticing water spots in your home during winter or once the winter is over.
Another sign of a leak could be unexplained mold and mildew. Mold can form due to condensation in certain rooms, like the bathroom where steam doesn’t easily escape, but it could also mean a leak. A good test to find the cause of mold is to clean the area, keep it well ventilated and see if the mold returns. If the mold reappears, especially in the exact same spot, it could mean there’s a leak underneath.
Mold and mildew are dangerous for many reasons. They could be detrimental to your health, and to your home. Don’t let mold deteriorate your foundation, get a plumber in to take a look and get rid of the mold once and for all.
Contact PlumbPRO Services to Learn More
Leaving a leak for later is never a good idea. Small leaks grow into big leaks which manifest into major problems for your home. A small leak is often a simple fix, and far less expensive to deal with than a busted pipe.
In the winter your pipes expand and contract with the temperature. This means what was once a small leak before winter could become a big problem in January and February when things get really cold. Be sure to speak with a plumber while the problem is manageable. Are you a home or business owner in Ambler concerned that your home has a leak? We recommend getting it looked at before things get too cold. Contact PlumbPRO Services today to speak with a professional and learn the next steps in leak maintenance and repair.